Sony does Japanese ‘Musical’

'Lock and Roll' about girl-band's American invasion

Sony’s Japanese music arm is partnering with the producers of “High School Musical” for “Lock and Roll Forever,” a feature centered on an all-girl Japanese band coming to America.

“Lock” is a co-venture between T&C Pictures and Sony Music Entertainment Japan. Producers are Bill Borden and Barry Rosenbush, the team behind three iterations of “High School Musical;” Arata Matsushima is exec producing.

Script’s penned by another member of the “High School Musical” team, Peter Barsocchini. TV helmer Chris Grismer, whose credits include “Queer as Folk” and “Playmakers,” is directing.

Pic stars members of Oreska Band from a small Japanese industrial city. Lucas Grabeel (“High School Musical”), Ike Barinholtz, Taylor Negron, Brad Dourif and Naoko Nozawa also star.

Shooting began this week; locations include Salt Lake City, Los Angeles and Japan.